Recently, President BolaTinubu’s directive to the Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to include Hausa/Fulani in his Cabinet and also recognize them as Indigenes of the state, has once more brought to the fore the need to run a government of inclusiveness as a panacea for long-term peace and development in the state. It’s not in doubt that this unjustifiable exclusion of the hausa/Fulani in the governance of the state has largely contributed significantly to the on and off pockets of violence and killings in the state.
In the words of Tinubu, Governor Mutfwang must embrace inclusiveness for sustainable peace and development which require fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all communities.
Speaking at a high-level dialogue meeting with political, traditional, and religious leaders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja recently, President Tinubu said: “Include Hausa/Fulani in your cabinet. They are among Plateau’s indigenous communities. Give them meaningful positions and recognize them as indigenes of the state,”.
Indeed like the President noted, every community that has contributed to the growth and stability of Plateau State deserves a sense of belonging and participation in governance.
Infact it must be stressed that all political leaders must rise above parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and fully embrace inclusive leadership as a conscious, strategic and critical approach to achieving lasting peace, development and national unity.
What matters most in this context is for all leaders across the board, be they traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, political leaders or other stakeholders, to continue supporting reconciliation efforts and promoting dialogue among the diverse communities in Plateau State and beyond.
Since democratic rule returned to Nigeria in 1999, the hausas/Fulanis have been excluded from any role in the executive, legislative or judicial arms of governance in Plateau. They are only restricted to their Jos North community as executive and legislative arms heads. They’re neither given the opportunity to even contest elections on any platform as Governor, Senators, House of Reps or State Assembly members, nor are they appointed State SSG, Head of Service or even Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries or Heads of Agencies.
Attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, prominent traditional rulers from Plateau State, and religious leaders, including Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, alongside other political and community stakeholders, the dialogue formed part of ongoing consultations by the Federal Government aimed at strengthening peace, unity, and inclusive governance in Plateau State following years of recurring communal tensions.
The Hausa community in Plateau State has been present in the state for centuries, mainly as traders, settlers, and later political leaders in the urban centre. Plateau is multi-ethnic, with Berom, Anaguta, Afizere, Tarok, Ngas, etc. as the main indigenous groups. Hausa rulers usually emerged in the “Sarkin Hausawa” system in towns where Hausa populations were significant.
Even though Hausa traders came to Jos, Plateau State for tin, kola, and to trade with Berom, Anaguta, and Afizere communities, they settled around trading routes since 1900.
Even the colonial administration recognized Hausa community leaders as Sarkin Hausawa, though not as traditional rulers of the land, but as representatives of Hausa settlers to handle disputes, marriages, and represent Hausa interests to the Gbong Gwom Jos and the state government.
Considering the dire need for peace in the land and inclusiveness in governance, a recent High Court ruling in Jos on “status of indigenes” ruled that any Hausa persons born and raised in Jos North must be recognized as indigenes.
Delivering judgement in a case, Fatima Baba Akawu & Baba Alhaji Akawu vs Jos North LGA, Justice C. Donglong pronounced that Fatima Baba Akawu, a Hausa woman born and raised in Jos North to a father who is a recognized indigene, is entitled to a Certificate of Indigene despite her Hausa ethnic origin.
Justice Donglong ruled that ‘denial based on ethnicity is unconstitutional’
Justice Donglong described the Jos North council’s action as “a reprehensible act of ethnic discrimination” and said it violates Sections 42(1), 42(2), 15(2), 17(1) of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 2 & 3 of the African Charter.
The court issued a perpetual injunction restraining Jos North LGA from issuing “Residential Certificates” as a substitute for indigene certificates, saying it has no legal basis. It also ordered Jos North LGA to issue Fatima an indigene certificate within 30 days.
Justice Donglong ruled that denial based on ethnicity is unconstitutional, while a residential Certificate has no legal basis.
Sadly, a former Governor of the state, Senator Jonah Jang kicked against the judgement, saying it could “open the door for non-indigenes to obtain indigene certificates” and heighten tension.
Indeed, for Plateau to return to those years of peace, unity and development, inclusiveness must be preached and practiced by all leaders. Supporting reconciliation efforts and promoting dialogue within the diverse communities in Plateau State and beyond must be a task that must be pursued vigorously.
MUSA ILALLAH is a public affairs analyst and can be reached at musahk123@yahoo.com
